Wolves sign Mexico forward on loan from Benfica

Promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers have signed World-Cup bound Mexico striker Raul Jimenez on a season-long loan from Portuguese side Benfica, the Premier League club said on Tuesday via Reuters.

The 27-year-old Jimenez has netted 14 goals in 62 games for Mexico and is part of their World Cup squad in Russia that will begin in two days, where Jimenez will wear the number nine shirt for Mexico. He is also manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s first signing in the close season as they prepare to compete in the top-flight for the first time since 2012.

“Wolves have secured the signing of Mexico and SL Benfica forward Raul Jimenez, subject to international clearance and work permit,” the English club said on their website.

He moved to Benfica in 2015 after a season at Atletico Madrid and has 31 goals in 120 appearances for the Primeira Liga side.

Wolves’ signing of Jimenez has allowed the club to move another striker out on loan, with Benik Afobe heading to Stoke City.

The former Bournemouth striker only joined Wolves permanently at the start of the month, but has now signed for the relegated Potters, where there is an obligation to make the move permanent in January.

Gary Rowett’s side will reportedly pay £12.5 million ($17m) for the front man, who scored six goals for Wolves last season.

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